Dedue exhales loudly against Dimitri’s skin, and his fingers grip tighter. Dimitri’s words send electricity down his spine.

There’s layers of old sediment in Dedue’s brain. Structures set up to protect him, protect the both of them. Parts of him that scream danger at the meaning behind what Dimitri is saying, what Dimitri is doing for him, what Dedue wants back. There are old instincts to check the door, make sure no one is watching.

He ignores that part of himself as he bites down on Dimitri’s skin. Then, against every screaming instinct, he growls firmly and solidly against Dimitri’s ear. “Mine.”